The elevator doors slid open. Francisco bolted out, gun in hand, his urgency clear. He reached Hazel’s apartment and didn’t hesitate—he aimed at the doorknob and fired. The shot rang through the corridor. One hard kick, and the door flew open.

Inside, he heard Hazel’s panicked voice.

“Leave me!”

Fueled by instinct, Francisco rushed to her bedroom. He burst through the door, gun raised.

Hazel was pinned under the masked intruder.

Before he could fire, Hazel shoved the man aside ...